Hazel Park approved for 40 dates in 2018

Hazel Park Raceway will host 40 race dates during its 2018 live meet, as approved Friday by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

The Detroit-area racetrack will race Fridays and Saturdays from May 4 to Sept. 15, with a 7:20 p.m. Eastern post time. The lone exception will be Friday, June 29, when first post will be 6:30 p.m.

Hazel Park was approved for 36 live dates in 2017, but received permission from the Gaming Control Board in August to add an extra four days to the end of its meet, extending the season from its planned conclusion during Labor Day weekend into mid-September.

Harness track Northville Downs was granted 60 live dates, split into two meets.

The winter-spring meet will take place March 2 through June 9, while the autumn meet will be Sept. 7 through Dec. 15. Racing will take place on Fridays and Saturdays during both meets, with a 7 p.m. post time.

“Northville Downs and Hazel Park Raceway combined should offer at least 800 live races on weekends during their meetings next year,” said Richard Kalm, MGCB executive director. “The 100 days of live pari-mutuel races will equal the tracks’ 2017 live racing days.”